More than just a tool for telling the time, the watch has become over the years an accessory in its own right. To assert your style and tastes or even to demonstrate your belonging to a certain social class, it is today considered a must-have to absolutely display on your wrist. In 2024, combining the idea of having a very beautiful watch, without breaking the bank, is more possible than ever thanks to certain brands which offer exceptional models at affordable prices.
We think of the Kelton brand which, since 1955, has warmed our wrists brilliantly. The brand is the result of the meeting between the American giant TIMEX and Stéphane Boullier, at the time director of the prestigious watch brand which equips French air force pilots, Vixa. Their collaboration gives birth to a new French brand and the name is a nod to the “Elton” hotel in which Stéphane Boullier was at the beginning of the company’s creation.
Very quickly, success was achieved in France, so much so that Sylvie Vartan became the brand’s muse in 1969 and even launched her own capsule collection. More than 50 years later, Kelton continues to produce quality and trendy watches, the models of which are made in France. We take you on a (re)discovery of the brand’s prettiest models for women and men!
Kelton: discover pretty, inexpensive watches for women
We fell in love with this watch with its unusual design and beautiful golden exterior. The “Colorama” watch seduces with its modern and vintage look.
The Jungle model is a military-inspired classic and comes in the colors of our planet: volcano lava, Sumatran jungle, carbon black of which we are made. This watch loves nature and contributes to its protection, doubly so. Its mechanical movement (manual winding) does not require a battery, and its bracelet is made of rPet.
Inspired by the famous Colorama, the “Colorama Rayée” watch takes up the principle of variation in bright colors while drawing inspiration, with a modern vision, from an elegant oval design from the 70s. The stripes, blue, yellow or red, announce the arrival of summer, beach towels, sailor shirts, and La Baule cabins. Neither round nor square, it is both gender fluid and just as pop as its big sister. Very Warholian, in fact.
Kelton watches: models to give to your boyfriend/husband
You may have seen the 1955 40 ATM watch on the wrist of Stanislas Huille, French vice-champion in the 100m butterfly (June 2023). This waterproof model works perfectly up to 400 meters underwater. An ideal sportswear model to offer to the most sporty and adventurous men around you.
The RC 2 watch is one of Kelton’s most iconic models. She embodies with the most panache the brand’s links with the world of motor racing. With its robust housing muscle carits green dial, its orange indexes and its orange and green NATO strap, the RC 2 comes straight from the best editions of the Indianapolis 500 miles.
Welcome to 2049, here is the Octagon, the retrofuturistic watch from Kelton. Its Titanium version is aimed at the most “bad boys” among us. Its case is equipped with a Seagull 1632 automatic day/date movement. Its hands (hours and minutes) treated with Superluminova have become luminescent and this little automatic bomb is now resistant to a pressure of 10 ATM.
Elisabeth Sall